observational

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the research is observational, it can’t prove that ultraprocessed foods cause dementia and cognitive impairment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Because this was an observational study, it cannot prove that French fries directly cause diabetes.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

These studies were observational, which differs from research done on drugs to study intended effects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Because the study was observational and conducted at a single medical center, it cannot prove that low vitamin D directly caused the increase in pain.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

The high point in indigenous Chinese astronomy occurred around 1280, with the work of Kuo Shou-ching, who used an observational baseline of 1,500 years and improved both astronomical instruments and mathematical techniques for computation.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan